A57970:887
Joshua Redivivus, or Mr. Rutherford's Letters
Joshua redivivus, or, Mr. Rutherford's letters divided into two parts, the first, containing these which were written from Aberdeen, where he was confined by a sentence of the high commission ... partly on account of his non-conformance : the second, containing some which were written from Anwoth ... / now published for the use of all the people of God ... by a well-wisher to the work & people of God.Joshua redivivus, or, Mr. Rutherfoord's letters divided into two parts, the first, containing these which were written from Aberdeen, where he was confined by a sentence of the high commission ... partly on account of his non-conformance : the second, containing some which were written from Anwoth ... / now published for the use of all the people of God ... by a wellwisher to the work & people of God.
Rotterdam? : s.n., 1664
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
To JOHN FLEMING. Bailiff of Leith. (164)
To JOHN FLEMING. Bailiffe of Leith. (164)
My very worthy friend.
Grace, mercy & peace be to you: I received your letter: I bless my Lord through Jesus Christ, I find his word good, Isa, •8, •0. I have chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. And Psal. 91. 15. I will be with him in trouble. I never expected other at Christ's hand, but much good & comfort, & I am not disappointed: I find my Lord's cross overgilded & oiled with comforts: My Lord hath now shown me the white side of his cross: I would not exchange my weeping in prison with the fourteen Prelates laughter amidst their hungry […] lean joys. This world knoweth not the sweetness of Christ's love, it is a mystery to them. At my first coming here, I found great heaviness, especially because it had pleased the Prelates to add this gentle cruelty to my former sufferings [•or it is gentle to them] to inhibit the Ministers of the town to give me the liberty of a pulpit: I said, what addeth Christ at my service? But I was a fool, he hath chided himself friends with me: If ye & others of God's children shall praise his great name who maketh worthless men witnesses for him, my silence & sufferings shall preach more then my tongue could do; if his glory be seen in me I am satisfied; for I want no kindness of Christ: And Sir, I dare not smother his liberality: I write it to you, that ye may praise, & desire your brother & others to join with me in this work. This land shall be made desolate, our iniquities are full: the Lord saith, we shall drink & spue & fall. Remember my love to your good kind wife. Grace be with you.